Up to 650 Sq.Ft.

Dow Froth Pak 650

Up to 620 Sq.Ft.

DOW FROTH-PAK 620

Up to 700 Sq.Ft.

Tiger Foam E-84

Spray foam is one of the most useful products for homeowners and DIYers to have on hand. It’s most commonly used for protection against extreme climate conditioners since it has incredible insulation properties. It’s easy to use and just as effective as other home insulation materials like fiberglass and cellulose.

Whether you’re trying DIY foam insulation for the first time or you’re a seasoned spray foam enthusiast, choosing the best spray foam kit for the project at hand isn’t always easy. This guide on reviewed and compared spray foam kits for insulation can help.

What is Spray Foam?

Spray foam is one of the newest types of insulation on the home improvement market, gaining a lot of popularity in the 80s. Most spray foam products are made by combining two chemicals, isocyanate and polyol resin (A and B), to make a foam-like material that expands 30 to 60 times its original size. After the foam is sprayed, it dries and never loses its shape, one reason why it’s a perfect material for insulating.

A Michigan-based company called RetroFoam says that spray foam is “an insulation and air barrier material that seals walls, floors, and ceiling cavities against air movement. This includes spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, and also where walls meet windows and doors.”

Spray foam can be used to fill any open cavity, and it will take its shape without compressing, sagging, or settling over time.

There are two types of spray foam to choose from, open cell and closed cell. These two types are very different, so you have to choose based on the project at hand. Closed-cell foam is more rigid and dense with compact cells, making it more ideal for insulating exposed whiles. An open-cell spray foam kit is much more pliable and lightweight, and it has a much higher expansion rate than closed-cell foam.

Pros & Cons of Using Spray Foam Insulation Kits

Green Garage says that “when you compare spray foam to other forms of insulation, the energy savings approaches 30%. You can even use this product with other types of insulation to reduce detrimental airflow issues that may go through your walls, floor, or ceiling.”

In addition to energy efficiency, here are a few more benefits of using a spray foam insulation kit:

It can serve as powerful structural support for homeowners.

It provides an airtight seal that’s difficult to break.

It’s impermeable to water.

It can stop mold and mildew from building up.

It has a longer lifespan than many other insulation materials.

The pros of using spray foam insulation significantly outweigh the cons, but it’s still important to know about the disadvantages. There is a slight risk of damage occurring from the foam expansion, but this is highly unlikely. On top of that, it can be messy when applied, but as long as you follow the application instructions, you should be OK. And lastly, spray foam is more expensive on average than other conventional insulation practices.

Buying Considerations for Spray Foam Insulation Kits

Insulation Needs

The first step in choosing the best foam insulation kit is considering your specific insulation needs. Is this to insulate against cold weather, hot weather, or both? Is this intended for the attic, the basement, the garage? Are you merely filling holes from installing a new central AC system, or is this to protect the home against extreme climate?

Spray Foam Type

Deciding on your spray foam type means choosing between open and closed cell spray foam kits. Each type has a set of pros and cons – one is not better than the other; it depends on your insulation needs. Closed-cell foam is denser and less expansive, while open-cell is lightweight and can expand up to 100x its original size.

For more robust insulation, you’ll want to go with the best closed-cell spray foam, especially if you’re limited on space. Since it’s more rigid, it has the potential to provide more to the structural integrity of your home. It also serves as a barrier against water and moisture since it’s completely impermeable by water.

Open-cell foams have their perks, though. This type of foam has incredible expansion features, so it’s great for filling/insulating nooks, crannies, and holes that need repairing in the home. It’s also ideal for soundproofing a room, but it’s not the best choice for insulating against extreme weather conditions. When comparing costs, open-cell is much more affordable.

R-Value

TigerFoam, a leading spray foam company, says that “the industry measures insulation’s resistance to conductive heat flow by rating it according to its thermal resistance or R-value. The higher the R-value is, the better the material insulates. A high R-value, then, means higher effectiveness.”

The R-value of the foam you choose depends on the type, density, and thickness of the foam. In some cases, the R-value can also be affected by age, temperature, and exposure to moisture. Open-cell foam has a lower R-value per inch than closed-cell foam, which is one reason why closed-cell foam is better for regions with extreme climates.

Ease of Application

Applying your spray foam can be a messy business. Open-cell foam is much easier to work with since it’s lightweight and pliable, but this doesn’t mean you have to struggle when applying the closed-cell foam. Just be sure to choose a spray foam that is praised for its ease of application. Be sure to focus on DIY spray foam kits reviews (rather than spray foams for professional-level contractors).

Spray Foam Color

Spray foam color isn’t a huge consideration, but it’s something to think about nonetheless. This is especially true if you’re insulating an exposed area that will remain visible after you finish applying the foam. White or offwhite is the most common spray foam color, but it comes in a variety of options (depending on the brand). If you want to get a bit crazy with your spraying, you can go with a pink, green, or even yellow foam insulation kit.

Hardware/Accompanying Accessories

Some of the best spray foam kits come with added hardware and accessories to help with the application. One of the most important accompaniments is a hose and spray gun for easy application, but also look for a kit that comes with a set of spray nozzles.

Take the Dow Froth-Pak 620 as an example; it comes with 2 foam tanks, a 30-ft hose and gun dispenser, 12 included nozzles, and even a wrench for connecting the hoses to tanks.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of your spray insulation kit is measured in several ways. Does it hold up against moisture? Will it block out both heat and cold? Does it provide the coverage you were hoping for? Every homeowner’s idea of spray foam effectiveness will be different depending on insulation needs, so always think about your specific priorities.

6 Spray Foam Insulation Kits Reviewed

1. DOW FROTH-PAK 620

Specification Summary

Out of all the spray insulation kits on the market, the Dow Froth-Pak 620 is the best spray insulation for homes and DIYers. This closed-cell foam covers an area up to 620 square feet, so even though it’s a bit pricey, you’ll get a lot of coverage out of just one kit. But that’s not the only reason we’ve named this as the best spray foam insulation for homeowners.

DIY closed cell spray foam is perfect for heavy-duty insulation jobs. Whether you’re using it to insulate a wall or fill nooks and crannies, this sealant foam kit comes with everything you need to get the job done. As the best DIY spray foam kit, you can always count on a consistent flow rate from each of the cylinders (A and B). It can be used on a wide range of interior and exterior projects that require a spray stream of 2” thick and 4” wide.

According to the product description, “large openings that let air into a home rob homeowners of money, energy efficiency and comfort. FROTH-PAK™ Foam Sealant is designed to fill gaps and penetrations greater than 2 in. quickly and affordably, helping eliminate unwanted airflow throughout a home.”

By eliminating unwanted airflow, you’re not only insulating but also protecting against mold.

The kit comes with a lubricating jelly that helps to prevent hose blockages while in use. Aside from the high cost of the Dow Froth-Pak 620, the only drawback is that the tanks are not recyclable. Although this is unfortunate for eco-friendly insulators, it’s a small price to pay for easy application and quality foaming.

Pros

Reduces mold & mildew

Tons of applications

Customizable dispensing system

Quick curing

All application tools included

Cons

High cost

Tanks not recyclable

2. Dow Froth Pak 650

Specification Summary

This next is essentially the same as the last Dow Froth Pak, but instead of offering a 620 square foot coverage area, it can handle 650 square feet. This is one of the best closed-cell spray foam kits for large insulation jobs, perfect for filling cavities, cracks, expansion joints, and air sealing. The 6.5 R-value is high enough to stop energy loss for every 1 inch of thickness.

The ample coverage space is just one of the reasons this is the best DIY spray foam kit for home insulation. Another thing we love is that the kit can be restarted and reused for up to 30 days of its initial startup. That means you don’t have to complete the entire insulation project in one go – you can break it up into multiple sessions based on a timeframe that works for you.

The entire concept behind the closed-cell Dow Froth products is to reduce air filtration in the home that can lead to energy loss and mold growth. This is exactly what the DFP 650 accomplishes. It’s an industry-leading customizable dispensing system that’s extremely easy to use, even for those who have never worked with spray foam before.

Similar to the 620, the 650 is high in cost, but it’s entirely worth it thanks to its energy efficiency and large coverage area. There is just one complaint about the chemical distribution; some customers have said that the nozzles don’t evenly distribute the chemicals from each tank, but this isn’t the standard for

Pros

Energy efficient

Easy to use

Industry leader

Large coverage area

Can be used as a sealant

Cons

High cost

Complaints of uneven tank distribution

3. Tiger Foam E-84 Fast Rise 200

Specification Summary

If you’re wondering, “what is the best spray foam insulation on the market?”, the answer isn’t always Dow Froth. Tiger Foam is often considered the best spray foam insulation brand, especially for homeowners who don’t need a massive 600+ feet of coverage. If you’re looking for something around the 200 ft range, the Tiger Foam E-84 is a top pick for best spray foam kit.

The thing that makes Tiger Foam so unique is that it has the highest R-value in the industry. If you thought 6.5 was good with the Dow Froth 650, you’d fall head over heels for the 7.0 R-value from the E-84.

Tiger Foam says that “this closed-cell, fast rise foam is designed for new construction and application to open surfaces. Unlike many of our competitors, this kit comes ready to spray with a 15 ft Gun/Hose Assembly, 3 Fan & 5 Cone Nozzle Tips, and kit preparation instructions.”

The E-84 DIY closed-cell spray is all about efficiency; it expands quickly, dries fast, and comes with disposable recyclable tanks. It can cut back on energy loss by a whopping 40%, and the upfront cost isn’t outrageous. Aside from the fact that this is not suitable for large areas, the chief complaint is that the spray gun is difficult to use at first, but you’ll get used to it after several minutes of spraying.

Pros

Affordable spray foam solution

Amazing energy efficiency

High R-value

Recyclable tanks

High-quality materials

Cons

Small coverage area

Tricky spray gun

4. Tiger Foam Quick Cure 600

Specification Summary

If you like what Tiger Foam has to offer, but you need a quality spray foam kit that can handle a large space, consider the company’s Quick Cure 600. This is a closed-cell formula that has a high R-value, it’s easy to use with all the included application tools, and the curing process couldn’t be quicker. Because it covers 3x the area of the E-84 200, the price is significantly higher, but that’s to be expected for 600 feet of coverage.

The company says that “this closed-cell foam is a class 2 rated building material and is an economical choice for any project where the higher-rated foam is not needed. Unlike many of our competitors, this kit comes ready to spray with a 15 ft Gun/Hose Assembly, 3 Fan & 5 Cone Nozzle Tips, and kit preparation instructions.”

The best feature of the QC 600 is its quick curing, but another major perk of shopping with Tiger Foam is that the company offers amazingly low prices for wholesale spray foam insulation kits. They’ve also got tons of tutorials and videos on their website for tips on how to properly use spray foam insulation, so feel free to use their site as a guide.

Unfortunately, the Quick Cure does not come with a lubricating jelly, so you’ll need to use some sort of lubricant (vaseline works great) to prevent buildup and clogging of the hoses. It’s also suggested that you be mindful when spraying; if you press down too hard on the spray gun handle, the foam dispenses very quickly and can be challenging to control. A helpful tip is to only squeeze the trigger down part-way.

Specification Summary

Another one of the best DIY closed cell spray foam kits is the Foam It Green 602. It’s pricey, but it has shown proven results in over 50,000 homes, and the 3,000+ positive reviews speak volumes. This kit was designed for first-time users, so even though it has a large coverage area, you don’t need any experience to use the Foam It Green effectively.

It’s entirely mold resistant, pest resistant, and fire retardant, all while sealing out air for complete insulation. The 602 kit has an impressive R-value of 7, which means that you can count on it lasting decades down the road. It can cover just over 600 square feet of surface area with a cured foam thickness of 1 inch.

The Foam It company says that there are so many reasons to buy from them: “We’re experienced. We’ve been manufacturing chemical dispensing equipment for a wide range of industries for more than 30 years. We know what you need to get your job done, and we’re here to help.”

On top of 30 years of experience, Foam It is dedicated to providing the best customer service possible.

Foam It Green goes all out when it comes to included accessories. It comes with everything you could need for DIY insulating with 17 accessories, including nozzles, gloves, and protective goggles. The variety of nozzle sizes means that you have complete control over the size of the spray stream. However, there have been a few complaints that spraying evenly can be challenging at first. You should also be aware that spraying too much can cause drippage, so try to go light with the Foam It Green 602.

Pros

Made in the USA

Built for first-time users

Many accessories included

Proven in 50K+ homes

High-quality foam

Cons

Uneven spraying at times

High cost

6. Touch N Seal 4004520300

Specification Summary

Spray insulation DIY projects don’t have to be costly, especially with the Touch N’ Seal Insulating Foam Kit. Not only will you save money by performing do-it-yourself insulation, but you’ll also save on kit cost with the Touch N’ Seal. It’s a few hundred less than other kits on this list, but keep in mind that it also has a smaller coverage area of 300 feet.

This is the first open-cell sealant that we’re covering (and the only one), so it doesn’t have the same high R-value as closed-cell products. That’s OK, though, especially for homeowners who would benefit from using an open-cell foam. This foam has a much higher expansion rate, and it’s effortless to handle, so first-time foamers should have no trouble whatsoever.

In addition to insulating, this spray foam kit helps to prevent allergen infiltration.

The company says that “when used according to manufacturer’s instructions, Touch ‘n Seal Low-Density Spray Foams reduce energy costs by eliminating structural air infiltration and improve indoor air quality by sealing out dust and pollen.”

If you’re prone to allergies, this is a great choice for reducing airborne irritants.

According to TigerFoam, it’s better to choose open-cell foam when you need to “insulate hard to reach nooks and crannies in a home. These types of areas can be hard to insulate with closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam is excellent for soundproofing where a single application can completely fill the area between studs.”

However, you’ll want to go with a more compact closed-cell foam if you experience extreme weather conditions.

Pros

Affordable

Dries in 1 minute

Reduces energy loss

Great for air sealing

Reduces allergens

Cons

Not ideal for extreme weather

Common Applications for Spray Foam

As it turns out, the best spray foam insulation kits can be used for more than just insulating your home from elements. There are many ways to use your new spray foam kit, so don’t stop at spraying it along your walls for staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The trick is to get creative, and here are a few ways to do that:

Insulate and soundproof your kitchen sink by spraying foam on the underside.

Use it as a decorative tool (see, we told you to get creative!)

How to Safely Use Spray Foam Insulation Kits

The first step in using the best DIY spray foam insulation is to read the user manual carefully.

For safe insulation, USI says that it “requires an understanding of all aspects of safety compliance – a safe job site, proper PPE, equipment start-up and maintenance, foam inspection, etc.”

The main concern is your health and safety, so wearing the proper protection and ventilation gear is a must.

Always wear a pair of safety goggles and a paint project respirator. Once you’re all geared up, the next step is to check the temperature of the surface you’ll be spraying as well as the temperature of the foam tank. They should both measure between 60 and 80ºF. You should also clean the surfaces of the spraying surface so that it’s free of dirt, dust, and debris.

In the DIY spray foam insulation guide, Family Handyman says that you should “always spray a thin layer of foam on the surface you want to insulate. After the application of the first coat on all surfaces, let the foam dry for 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the foam will expand and rise. Inspect the surfaces after 30 minutes and add extra foam if the layer is not thick enough.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a vapor barrier with open-cell foam insulation?

It depends on the climate conditions in your area and the surface you’ll be spraying. If you’re spraying ceiling insulation foam in the attic and you know that rain and snow are common, then yes, a vapor barrier with open-cell foam insulation is a must. Open-cell foam doesn’t withstand moisture as well as closed-cell foam, so using a vapor barrier is always a good idea.

Do I need to cover spray foam insulation?

One of the most common questions regarding DIY spray foam insulation is whether or not it can be left exposed. There’s no black and white answer; it depends on the situation. It’s not necessarily dangerous to leave spray foam exposed, but many homeowners feel that it’s not pleasant to look at. However, if the area that was sprayed is exposed to direct sunlight, it’s a good idea to cover the foam to prevent deterioration.

“really depends on where it’s being applied and what you’re trying to accomplish. Now generically speaking, we usually recommend open-cell spray foam to be 6-inches on a roof deck or ceiling and 3-inches in the walls. Closed-cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls.”

“is typically two to three times more expensive than cellulose or fiberglass insulation…Spray foam insulation does cost more than traditional options, but over time it pays you back in energy savings and you can’t really put a price on the comfort of your family.”

As long as you’re willing to pay the upfront costs, then yes, it’s worth the extra investment.

How long does spray foam insulation last?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors says that interior spray foam can last more than 80 years. However, this long lifespan can be affected by things like improper application, sun exposure, punctured surfaces, and water damage. It’s essential to inspect your foam insulation now and then to make sure that it’s holding up.

So just multiply the cost per board foot – let’s say it’s $0.50 – by the surface area (1,500) to get $750. Keep in mind that this is the cost of professional application, but the best DIY spray foam insulation kit can save you some money.

What happens when there is mold growth on spray foam insulation?

Canada’s Great Northern Insulation says that spray foam insulation can actually decrease the dangers of mold. It’s very, very unlikely for mold growth to form on spray insulation (especially closed-cell foam). That said, mold is still possible in areas with lots of precipitation and humidity. If this is the case, you’ll want to call a mold removal professional.

What are the differences in the cheaper and more expensive products on our list?

The price discrepancies between the products on this list of DIY spray foam insulation reviews don’t typically have to do with quality, but more with coverage area. You’ll see a major price difference when you compare the Tiger Foam E-84 to the Dow Froth Pak products, but this is because the E-84 offers 200 feet of coverage while Dow Froth is 600 feet or more.

For those of you looking for the best price spray foam insulation kits, just remember that cheap doesn’t always mean better.

Conclusion

Out of all the best spray foam insulation kits we’ve covered, the Dow Froth Pak products are our favorite for large coverage areas. But for small do it yourself spray foam projects, the Tiger Foam E-84 is another great choice. Just consider your specific insulation need before buying one of the products on this list of spray foam insulation kit reviews.

Last Updated onMay 4, 2020

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